In many cases, people are charged with manslaughter and other homicides when they are completely innocent. Perhaps you were simply acting out of self-defense, or maybe you were trying to stop someone from committing a very serious crime. There are a number of scenarios that justify the killing of another human being. It is important that these situations be recognized and honored so as to not deter people from making the right choice in the future.
If you have been falsely accused of a form of homicide, such as manslaughter or murder, call Sarasota homicide attorney Erika Valcarcel at (941) 363-7900. With experience as both a defender and a prosecutor, she can anticipate the prosecution’s strategy in order to construct a winning defense. Attorney Valcarcel will gather all of the details in order to defend your freedom and present your case in court.
Florida Justifiable Homicide Laws
Unlike murder and other criminal acts, justifiable homicide is the killing of another human being that does not entail blame or criminal intent. If you are attacked by another person, for example, you are legally allowed to use deadly force if it is absolutely necessary. Other situations that might result in a justifiable homicide include the defense of others, trying to prevent someone else from committing a very serious crime, and killing an assailant in the line of duty.
Many justifiable homicides are committed by police officers and soldiers. A soldier killing an adversary on the field of battle is labeled as a justifiable homicide, as is a police officer killing a felon in order to prevent them from doing harm. Many forms of capital punishment also qualify. For instance, shooting a dangerous prisoner in order to prevent them from escaping is considered justifiable.
Justifiable Homicide as a Defense
Justifiable homicide is often mistaken for murder or manslaughter, especially where there are no witnesses present during the killing. Thankfully, a skilled attorney can show the courts that your actions were necessary and legal. In a murder case, for example, you may be painted as a ruthless killer who planned a homicide. A capable lawyer can bring forward new evidence showing that the homicide was justifiable and that you had no choice but defend yourself or others.
It might also be the case that you are being charged with an illegal homicide when you were actually providing a service to public safety. If you saw an assailant pulling out a firearm in the middle of a public park, you might have had no choice but to use deadly force in order to stop the assailant. Once the court is presented with the new information, they will be compelled to drop all charges against you.
Call Erika Valcarcel, Criminal Defense Lawyer, P.A. Today
If you have been charged with an illegal homicide, you are likely worried about the consequences that could follow a conviction. The penalties for murder and manslaughter are harsh, with sentences of up to life in prison and even the death penalty. As a skilled Sarasota homicide lawyer, Erika Valcarcel knows people in Florida are often falsely accused of homicides and she will listen to your side of the story in order to present your case in a positive light.
Call (941) 363-7900 now to see how Erika Valcarcel, Criminal Defense Lawyer, P.A. can help prove that you committed a justifiable homicide rather than a criminal act.